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Taking a break on the Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, Georgia
Taking a break on the Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia  | Gesine Cheung
Feeling alive on the Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, Georgia
Feeling alive on the Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia  | Gesine Cheung
Hiking through remote villages in Georgia - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, Georgia
Hiking through remote villages in Georgia  | Gesine Cheung
Ushguli, a community of four villages located at the head of the Enguri gorge in Svaneti, Georgia. - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, Georgia
Ushguli, a community of four villages located at the head of the Enguri gorge in Svaneti, Georgia.
Group on the Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, Georgia
Group on the Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia  | Gesine Cheung
Witness stunning alpine landscapes on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, Georgia
Witness stunning alpine landscapes on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia  | Gesine Cheung
Mountain scenery on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia - Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia, Georgia
Mountain scenery on the Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia  | Gesine Cheung

Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia

A breathtaking hike through a diverse range of cultural and natural landscapes

Georgia
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 73 reviews

11 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: THG
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 11 Days
Activities
  • 5 days hiking
Accommodation
  • 2 nights hotel
  • 6 nights simple hotel
  • 2 nights basic guesthouse on multi-share basis
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 10 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

55kg of CO2-e PP per day

(491kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Georgia Transcaucasian Trail Trip highlights

  • Traverse sections of the Transcaucasian Trail through the soaring Greater Caucasus Mountains
  • Walk to Ushguli, a remote UNESCO village and Europe’s highest permanently inhabited settlement (2,200m/7218ft).
  • Explore Uplistsikhe, an extraordinary 3,000-year-old cave town once a vital Silk Road trading hub
  • Savour home-cooked Georgian feasts, sample regional wine, and experience the warmth of traditional Svan hospitality
  • Behold the mighty peaks of Mt Tetnuldi (4,858m/15,938ft) and Mt Shkhara (5,201m/17,060ft) as you hike beneath towering glaciers and over high passes
  • Spend two nights in Georgia’s eclectic capital, Tbilisi - with its Old Town lanes, ancient sulphur baths, carved wooden balconies, and the Narikala Fortress

Overview

This 11-day guided group hike traces the second stage of the Transcaucasian Trail, immersing you in the wild beauty and rich traditions of Georgia’s Svaneti region.

Your journey begins in Georgia’s eclectic capital, Tbilisi, where Persian, Ottoman and Soviet influences collide with bold modern design, vibrant cafés and natural wine bars. Enjoy a guided exploration of the city’s historic heart and the comfort of your 4-star hotel, where you’ll return to unwind at the end of the trip.

Head west to explore UNESCO-listed cathedrals, the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe, and a family-run winery where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch and taste Georgia’s legendary qvevri wines. Walk the dramatic limestone cliffs of Okatse Canyon before heading into the rugged Greater Caucasus Mountains.

Over five days of hiking, follow remote trails through glacier-fed valleys, alpine meadows and traditional Svan villages. Stay in characterful guesthouses and experience Georgia’s warm hospitality. Climb to scenic passes with breathtaking views of the country’s highest peaks, explore Ushguli, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, and reach the spectacular Shkhara Glacier.

With all meals included, you’ll enjoy plentiful Georgian fare even on the trail, from fresh vegetables and local cheeses to generous picnic spreads that reflect the country’s rich culinary traditions. Whether taken on its own or as part of the full Transcaucasian Trail Hike, this is a rewarding and culturally rich trek through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring mountain regions.

Itinerary

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If you are arriving at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your group hotel. If you have just completed the Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia, you will receive instruction on where to meet the group later. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Resting on the banks of the Mtkvari River with a stunning mountainous backdrop, Tbilisi has been the site of human settlement since 4000BC. With a charming blend of natural beauty and delightfully crumbling art nouveau architecture, this city is sure to captivate. This evening you will meet your group and the guide will provide a trip briefing after which you will all enjoy a welcome meal. Overnight: Clocks Hotel or similar

Meals: D

We drive to visit the ancient 3000 year old capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta to see its historical sites. Jvari church (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then drive to visit the town of Gori, en route visit a local winery to learn more about Georgian wine-making, taste wines and enjoy a home-made lunch. Continue onto the Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC), which is where the Great Silk Road used to pass. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries and a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock. Afterwards we continue towards the western part of Georgia. In the evening we arrive in Kutaisi, the second largest city in the country. Overnight: Kutaisi local guesthouse Driving: 4hrs

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning we visit UNESCO World Heritage listed Bagrati Monastery and enjoy some free time at the Kutaisi farmer's market. Then we continue our way to the village of Gordi and "Okatse" Canyon, which offers marvellous views. Then it’s time to get ready for the most exciting part of your trip, a journey to Svaneti. Situated on the southern slopes of the central Caucasus Mountains and surrounded by 3000m-5000m snow capped peaks, Svaneti is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus. Four of the ten highest mountains of the Caucasus are in the region. Overnight: Becho local guesthouse Hiking: 1.5hrs (iron steps & pathways) Driving: 6-7hrs (on very bumpy roads)

Meals: B,L,D

Today amazing adventures are in store. First, we will drive to Shikhra village. From there we will set out on foot to the waterfalls of Ushba. A muddy forest will be followed by a noisy river, whose mouth is at Ushba glacier. Not too long after this waterfalls will come in to view, several cascades of water flowing downwards side by side on the mountain slope creating an unforgettable panorama. We will enjoy a packed lunch today. Upon returning home pleasantly tired, we will be treated to the most delectable Svanetian dishes in Mestia (45 mins drive). Hiking: 4-5hrs; 16km; 450m ascent/descent Overnight: Mestia local guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we drive for about 45 minutes to the village of Mulakhi from where we begin our walk on the slopes of Mt. Tetnuldi. Today we will ascend to approximately 2500m from where we can enjoy the beautiful views of glaciers and Mt. Ushba (4700m) before descending to the remote village of Adishi (2050m). This remote village is difficult for vehicles to reach and sometimes, even in the summer following rain, 4WD vehicles cannot drive the road. There are only 5-6 families living in the village and they will host us in their houses, with traditional Svanetian hospitality and food. Dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse in Adishi with very basic facilities. Note: On the occasions when our vehicles cannot access the village due to weather conditions, it may be necessary to carry an overnight bag. This night's accommodation is basic and on a multi-share basis with shared bathrooms. Hot water is available at the guesthouse. Hiking: ~5-6hrs; 15km; 1070m ascent; 530m descent Overnight: Adishi local guesthouse (shared bathroom facilities)

Meals: B,L,D

Today one of the most significant days of our journey is ahead of us. We will begin walking in the early hours of the morning. We follow the Adishura River and make our way across the water on horseback. After several minutes the Adishi glacier will come into sight. The eternal, huge collection of ice at Mt.Tetnuldi (4800m), the green fields and the mountain flowers, the tapestry of colours, will remain forever imprinted in our memories. Soon Ushba will rise into the horizon. Those who ascend Chkhutnieri Pass (2,730m) will have the sensation that they can touch the peak of Tetnuldi and clouds with their hands. We will descend down from the pass and make our way to the village of Iprari. Note: tonight's accommodation will be in a basic but welcoming village guesthouse on a multi-share basis. Hiking: ~7-8hrs; 20km; 620m ascent; 800m descent Overnight: Iprari local guesthouse (shared bathroom facilities)

Meals: B,L,D

Today we walk to the village of Ushguli (2200m) the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is most famous for its abundance of iconic watch towers and this is where you get the view of the highest mountain in Georgia, Mt. Shkhara (5201m). As the walk to Ushguli isn't very long (4 hours) we also have the option to walk up the steep hill to Queen Tamar's Tower. Rest of the afternoon free at leisure to explore Ushguli; or visit Lamaria Church (10th century A.D) which is the best example of Svaneti and church architecture with ancient frescoes and prominent examples of iconography. Hiking: ~4-5hrs; 13km; 440m ascent; 175m descent (excluding Queen Tamar's Tower) Overnight: Ushguli local guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will follow the Enguri River towards the base of Shkhara (5,201m), the highest point of Georgia. Whilst we gaze up at the impressive mountain, we will come across various endemic fauna and flora in the meadows. Get your camera at the ready for when we reach the mighty glacier. Shkhara Glacier is a huge, permanent glacier from which the Enguri River flows. We will enjoy a simple packed lunch and spend time here to appreciate the grand scale and sheer natural beauty of the views of Shkhara and the Shkhara Glacier, before we head back to Ushguli. Then we will transfer by 4x4 vehicles to our Mestia guesthouse (1.5hrs drive). Hiking: ~4hrs; 10km; 320m ascent/descent Overnight: Mestia local guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Today we must leave the magnificent western mountains and drive to Kutaisi. The drive will take around 7hrs with stops along the way to stretch our legs; including a visit to the Prometheus Grotto of stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight: Kutaisi local guesthouse Driving: 7hrs

Meals: B,L,D

Today we travel from Kutaisi to Tbilisi (approx 3-4hrs drive). This afternoon we will undertake a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, including highlights of the Old Town with its beautiful Orthodox Christian Churches, Mosque, Synagogue, famous Sulphur Baths, narrow cobbled streets with hanging wooden carved multi-coloured balconies and the 19th century houses following the architectural styles of the 19th century Europe, Narikala Fortress, the Bridge of Peace, Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue. Afterwards we will enjoy a farewell dinner with the group. Overnight: Clocks Hotel or similar Driving: 3-4hrs

Meals: B,D

This morning after breakfast you will be provided with a transfer to the airport where the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 1 Jun 2027 and 21 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 1 Jun 2027 – ends 11 Jun 2027 (11 days)
  • Departs 17 Jun 2027 – ends 27 Jun 2027 (11 days)
  • Departs 13 Jul 2027 – ends 23 Jul 2027 (11 days)
  • Departs 10 Aug 2027 – ends 20 Aug 2027 (11 days)
  • Departs 7 Sep 2027 – ends 17 Sep 2027 (11 days)
  • Departs 21 Sep 2027 – ends 1 Oct 2027 (11 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 10 dinners
  • Accommodation in comfortable hotels on a twin-share basis in cities
  • Small family run hotels & guest houses on a twin-share basis, 2 nights on a multi-share basis
  • English speaking local guides & mountain guide during trek
  • Internal transport by private vehicle
  • Local sightseeing & entrance fees to monuments as listed in itinerary
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers on days 1 & 11, and when additional hotel nights at the group hotel are booked with our office.
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Bottled water
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips

Reviews (73)

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Spectacular hiking in the Caucasus mountains.

Michelle|Maryland, United States
21 Sep 2026
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Some of the most beautiful walking I have experienced.

Stephen|Victoria, Australia
20 Sep 2026
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Long trip to get to Mestia but the trekking days were wonderful. The day from Adishi to Ipari I would rate the finest day's walking I've ever done. Accommodation in Adishi was basic but otherwise was way above expectations. Learning about Georgian history makes Australian history look very bland.

Patrick|Victoria, Australia
20 Sep 2026
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Unforgettable trek in the Caucasus - spectacular scenery, first-hand experience of village life and an informative guide.

Deborah|Victoria, Australia
20 Sep 2026
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Fabulous trip, well organised, guide was brilliant and driver was amazing navigating the mountain roads.

Amanda|Victoria, Australia
20 Sep 2026
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Beautiful walking in the Svaneti region, with wonderful flowers and mountain views, picturesque villages, and delicious Georgian food.

Martin|United Kingdom
10 Aug 2026
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I had a very good time. Guides were very helpful.

Jose|Queensland, Australia
6 Aug 2026
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Awesome cultural trip with a great guide, Levan.

Stephen|Victoria, Australia
5 Aug 2026
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Georgia is a spectacular country and this trip was a great way to hike remote areas.

Connie|Queensland, Australia
1 Aug 2026

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Why Book With Us

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • We've been providing active and immersive adventures since 1975.
  • An all inclusive program - private transport, sightseeing, plentiful meals and entrance fees.
  • Experienced local guides offering deep knowledge of the Svaneti region, culture, and mountain terrain.

Guaranteeing A Great Georgia Trip

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